a primitive root; to break out (in joyful sound); break (forth, forth into joy), make a loud noise.
Transliteration:pâtsach
Pronunciation:paw-tsakh'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning of "to break out" or "to burst forth." When applied to sound, as it predominantly is in the biblical text, it signifies a sudden, often irrepressible eruption of noise, typically joyful. The semantic range includes "to break forth into singing," "to make a loud noise," or "to shout for joy." It implies a transition from silence or restraint to an uninhibited vocal expression. Unlike mere singing or shouting, פָּצַח suggests an *unleashing* of sound, a spontaneous overflow of emotion that cannot be contained. While its primary association is with expressions of joy and praise, its fundamental sense of "breaking out" can, in rare instances, apply to other sudden outbursts, as seen in the context of lament, though this is less common.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) appears relatively few times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant, especially within prophetic literature. It is most frequently found in the book of Isaiah, where it consistently describes a joyful, often cosmic, response to divine action.
In [[Isaiah 14:7]], following the pronouncement of judgment on Babylon, the earth is described as being "at rest and quiet," and then "they break forth into singing." Here, the release from oppression occasions a universal outburst of praise. Similarly, in [[Isaiah 44:23]], [[Isaiah 49:13]], [[Isaiah 52:9]], and [[Isaiah 54:1]], the command or description of "breaking forth into singing" or "joy" is directly linked to God's redemptive acts: His comfort of His people, the redemption of Jerusalem, the blessing of barren Zion, and the restoration of Israel. These passages often involve not only humanity but also creation itself—heavens, mountains, forests, and trees—joining in the exultant chorus, underscoring the universal scope of God's salvific work.
[[Isaiah 55:12]] further illustrates this cosmic participation: "For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." This verse paints a vivid picture of a creation so overwhelmed by God's goodness that it spontaneously erupts in praise as His people return from exile.
In [[Psalm 98:4]], the imperative "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise" employs פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) to command a widespread, uninhibited declaration of praise from all the earth, in response to God's righteous acts and salvation.
A notable exception to the joyful context is found in [[Micah 1:10]], which uses the negative command "Tell it not in Gath, weep not at all: in the house of Aphrah roll yourself in the dust." The phrase "weep not at all" (literally, "do not break forth in weeping") employs פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) to refer to an outburst of lamentation. This demonstrates that the core meaning of "breaking out" is retained, even when the emotion is sorrow rather than joy, though the overwhelming majority of occurrences are associated with exultant praise.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of praise and vocal expression is rich in Hebrew, and פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) stands alongside several other significant terms, each with its own nuance.
* **שִׁיר (shir, `{{H7891}}`):** The most common word for "to sing." While פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) often translates as "break forth into singing," it adds the dimension of a sudden, unrestrained outburst to the act of singing.
* **רָנַן (ranan, `{{H7442}}`):** "To shout for joy," "to rejoice," often with a ringing cry. Both פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) and רָנַן (ranan, `{{H7442}}`) convey exuberance, but פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) emphasizes the *breaking forth* quality, as if from a previous state of silence or oppression.
* **הָלַל (halal, `{{H1984}}`):** "To praise," "to boast," "to shine." This is a broad term for praise, often involving public declaration. פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) can be a specific manifestation of this general praise, characterized by its spontaneous and overwhelming nature.
* **רוּעַ (rua', `{{H7321}}`):** "To shout," "to raise a war cry," "to shout for joy/triumph." Like פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`), this involves a loud vocal expression, often collective. However, רוּעַ (rua', `{{H7321}}`) can be a more deliberate, organized shout (e.g., military), whereas פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) often carries a sense of involuntary, overwhelming release.
What distinguishes פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) is its emphasis on the *sudden, uncontainable eruption* of sound, often in response to a profound shift in circumstances, particularly divine deliverance or comfort. It is not merely making a sound, but *bursting* into sound, reflecting an overwhelming emotional state.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) is profound, particularly in its predominant usage within Isaiah.
1. **Response to Divine Action:** The "breaking forth" is almost exclusively a response to God's powerful and gracious acts of salvation, comfort, and redemption. It highlights that true praise is not self-generated but a spontaneous overflow of gratitude and joy for what God *has done* (e.g., "the Lord has done it," [[Isaiah 44:23]]; "the Lord has comforted his people," [[Isaiah 49:13]]).
2. **Irrepressible Joy:** The verb conveys the idea that God's salvation is so overwhelming and transformative that it elicits an uncontainable, irrepressible response. It is a joy that *must* break forth, a praise that cannot be held back. This suggests the depth and power of divine comfort and liberation.
3. **Cosmic Scope of Redemption:** The repeated invocation for heavens, mountains, trees, and the entire earth to "break forth into singing" underscores the cosmic dimension of God's redemptive plan. It is not merely human salvation but the restoration and renewal of all creation that prompts this universal chorus of praise. This points to an eschatological hope where creation itself participates in the joy of God's completed work.
4. **Divine Command and Invitation:** Often, the word is used in the imperative, functioning as a divine command or invitation to praise. This indicates that such exuberant praise is not only a natural response but also an expected and commanded one, reflecting the appropriate posture of creation and humanity before their Creator and Redeemer.
In essence, פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) portrays a world so deeply affected by God's manifest goodness that it cannot remain silent, but must burst forth in a spontaneous, overwhelming, and often universal declaration of joy and praise.
### Summary
פָּצַח (pâtsach, `{{H6476}}`) is a potent Hebrew verb signifying "to break out" or "to burst forth," primarily used to describe a sudden, uncontainable eruption of joyful sound. Found predominantly in prophetic contexts, especially Isaiah, it vividly portrays the overwhelming response of both humanity and creation to God's acts of salvation, comfort, and redemption. This "breaking forth into singing" or "joy" highlights the irrepressible nature of praise evoked by divine intervention. While it can denote any sudden outburst, its theological weight is firmly rooted in exultant responses to God's goodness, distinguishing it from other words for praise by its emphasis on spontaneity and the powerful, uncontainable release of emotion. It serves as a testament to the profound and cosmic impact of God's redemptive work.
TRV